Down Jacket Care Guide

# Down Jacket Care Guide

A down jacket is an investment. With proper care it will keep you warm for a decade. Here is how to look after it.

## Washing

– Wash rarely — only when visibly dirty or losing loft
– Use a front-loading machine (top-loaders can tear)
– Use down-specific soap (Nikwax Down Wash)
– Cold wash, gentle cycle
– **Do not use fabric softener** — it destroys down’s natural oils

## Drying

– Tumble dry on LOW heat with 3–4 clean tennis balls
– Tennis balls break up clumps as down dries
– May take 2–3 hours — be patient
– Check every 30 min and break up clumps by hand

## Storage

– **Store uncompressed** — hang or loose in a large bag
– Never store in stuff sack long-term — down loses loft
– Cool, dry place

## In the Field

– Keep it dry — down loses warmth when wet
– Use a rain shell over it in rain/snow
– Air it out daily if it gets damp from sweat
– Spot clean stains with mild soap

## Repairs

– Patch small tears with down jacket repair tape (Gear Aid Tenacious Tape)
– Professional repair for large tears

## Renting Saves the Hassle

When you rent a down jacket from us, we handle all cleaning and maintenance. You just trek and return.